Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A system for sensing vibrations on a pipeline network, the system comprising: one or more vibration sensors, wherein each vibration sensor comprises: a transducer that converts a vibration signal to an analog electrical signal, a digitizer that converts the analog electrical signal to a sequence of numerical values, a first timekeeper, a processor that processes the sequence of numerical values, and a first wireless communication module; a controller configured to exchange data with the sensors, wherein the controller comprises: a second wireless communication module, and a second timekeeper; and an analyzer that comprises an interface to the controller, wherein the first wireless communication module of a first sensor comprises a GNSS receiver able to output a synchronization time that is used by the processor of the first sensor to write a time value to the first timekeeper of the first sensor, wherein the processor of the first sensor writes a first synchronization time value received from a GNSS receiver to the first timekeeper of the first sensor and, at a later time, receives a second synchronization time from the GNSS receiver and measures a difference between the second synchronization time value and the simultaneously existing value of the first timekeeper of the first sensor in order to compute a time drift of the first timekeeper of the first sensor in the span of the synchronization times, and wherein a sequence of recorded numerical values is shifted in time by an amount corresponding to the computed time drift or a rate of time drift of the first timekeeper of the first sensor.
A system monitors vibrations on a pipeline network using distributed sensors and a centralized controller. Each sensor includes a transducer to convert mechanical vibrations into analog electrical signals, a digitizer to convert these signals into numerical values, a processor to process the data, and a wireless communication module. The sensors also feature a timekeeper to timestamp recorded data, synchronized via a GNSS receiver. The GNSS receiver provides periodic synchronization times, which the processor uses to adjust the sensor's internal timekeeper, compensating for drift by measuring the difference between received synchronization times and the current timekeeper value. This ensures accurate time alignment of vibration data across the network. The controller, equipped with a wireless communication module and its own timekeeper, collects data from the sensors. An analyzer interfaces with the controller to process the synchronized vibration data, enabling precise monitoring of pipeline conditions. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining time synchronization in distributed sensor networks, critical for accurate vibration analysis and fault detection in pipeline infrastructure.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the transducer is a pressure transducer that produces the analog electrical signal to represent pressure.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the transducer has a light source and an optical sensor for measuring the changes in displacement of a vibrating surface.
This invention relates to a system for measuring the displacement of a vibrating surface using optical methods. The system addresses the challenge of accurately detecting and quantifying small vibrations in materials or structures, which is critical for applications in non-destructive testing, structural health monitoring, and acoustic analysis. Traditional methods often rely on contact-based sensors, which can introduce inaccuracies or damage the surface being measured. The system includes a transducer equipped with a light source and an optical sensor. The light source illuminates the vibrating surface, while the optical sensor detects the reflected light to measure changes in displacement. The transducer converts these optical measurements into electrical signals that represent the surface's vibration characteristics. This non-contact approach ensures high precision without physical interference, making it suitable for delicate or inaccessible surfaces. The optical sensor may use techniques such as laser interferometry or photodetector-based detection to capture displacement with high resolution. The system can be integrated into larger monitoring frameworks to provide real-time or continuous data on structural integrity, material fatigue, or acoustic properties. By eliminating mechanical contact, the invention improves measurement reliability and extends the lifespan of the sensing system in harsh environments.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the transducer is attached to the vibrating surface via a damped mounting such that the optical sensor may sense relative changes in displacement between the optical sensor and the vibrating surface.
5. The system of claim 3 , wherein the transducer is not attached to the vibrating surface such that the optical sensor may sense relative changes in displacement between the optical sensor and the vibrating surface.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the sensors are located based on information about the pipeline network, and designated available sensor locations, which are used to evaluate sound paths from points in the pipeline network to sensor locations.
This invention relates to a pipeline monitoring system that optimizes sensor placement for detecting and analyzing sound signals within a pipeline network. The system addresses the challenge of accurately identifying and locating leaks or other anomalies in pipelines by strategically positioning sensors to maximize acoustic signal detection. The sensors are placed based on detailed information about the pipeline network, including its topology, material properties, and operational conditions, as well as predefined available sensor locations. The system evaluates potential sound paths from various points in the pipeline to these sensor locations to determine optimal placement. By analyzing these sound paths, the system ensures that sensors are positioned where they can effectively capture acoustic signals, improving leak detection accuracy and reliability. The invention enhances pipeline monitoring by leveraging network data and acoustic propagation modeling to optimize sensor deployment, reducing false positives and improving response times to potential issues. This approach is particularly useful in large or complex pipeline systems where manual sensor placement may be inefficient or ineffective.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein sensors are assigned to a selected subset of sensor locations.
The system relates to sensor networks used for monitoring environmental or industrial conditions, addressing the challenge of efficiently collecting and processing sensor data while minimizing resource usage. The system includes a network of sensors deployed at various locations to measure parameters such as temperature, pressure, or chemical composition. A processing unit collects data from these sensors and analyzes it to detect anomalies, trends, or specific conditions. The system optimizes sensor deployment by assigning sensors to a selected subset of sensor locations, ensuring that only the most critical or informative locations are monitored. This reduces redundancy, conserves energy, and improves data accuracy. The processing unit may also adjust sensor assignments dynamically based on real-time conditions or predefined criteria, such as sensor failure or changing environmental factors. The system may further include communication modules to transmit data wirelessly or via wired connections, ensuring reliable data transfer. By selectively monitoring specific locations, the system enhances efficiency and reliability in applications such as environmental monitoring, industrial process control, or smart infrastructure management.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the sensor locations of the selected subset are selected to maximize the total lengths of sound paths within acoustic range of the subset of sensor locations.
This invention relates to acoustic monitoring systems, specifically optimizing sensor placement to enhance sound detection coverage. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently deploying sensors in an environment to maximize the detection of sound sources while minimizing redundancy. The core innovation involves selecting a subset of sensor locations from a larger set, where the chosen locations are positioned to maximize the total lengths of sound paths that fall within the acoustic range of the subset. This ensures comprehensive coverage of sound sources, improving detection accuracy and reliability. The system dynamically adjusts sensor selection based on environmental factors, such as obstacles or noise interference, to maintain optimal performance. By focusing on sound path lengths, the system prioritizes areas where sound propagation is most effective, reducing gaps in coverage and enhancing overall monitoring efficiency. The invention is particularly useful in applications like surveillance, environmental monitoring, and industrial safety, where accurate and reliable sound detection is critical. The solution balances sensor coverage and resource utilization, ensuring effective sound monitoring with minimal hardware requirements.
9. The system of claim 7 , wherein the sensor locations of the selected subset are selected to maximize an expected value benefit accruing from the subsequent detection of leaks by the sensors.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the software of the processor of the sensor contains one or more protocols that have been received from the controller.
A system for managing sensor operations includes a processor-equipped sensor that executes software to perform data collection and processing tasks. The sensor software incorporates one or more communication protocols, which are dynamically received from a central controller. These protocols define how the sensor interacts with other devices, including data transmission formats, encryption methods, and network protocols. The controller can update or modify these protocols remotely, allowing for flexible adaptation to changing network conditions or security requirements. This approach enables the sensor to maintain compatibility with evolving communication standards without requiring physical access or manual updates. The system ensures secure and efficient data exchange by dynamically configuring the sensor's communication parameters based on instructions from the controller. This design is particularly useful in industrial, environmental, or IoT applications where sensors must operate in diverse and dynamic network environments. The ability to remotely update protocols reduces maintenance costs and improves system reliability by ensuring consistent communication across distributed sensor networks.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the received protocols include protocols for recording, processing, or communicating.
12. The system of claim 1 , wherein a series of vibration recordings made at one or more sensors are processed as an ensemble.
13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the processing includes the estimation of a quiescent vibration pattern.
A system for analyzing mechanical vibrations in machinery includes a sensor array that captures vibration data from a rotating component, such as a shaft or bearing. The system processes this data to detect anomalies indicative of mechanical faults, such as misalignment, imbalance, or bearing wear. The processing involves filtering the vibration signals to isolate relevant frequency components and comparing them to predefined thresholds or baseline patterns. In some implementations, the system estimates a quiescent vibration pattern, which represents the normal operating vibration signature of the machinery under stable, fault-free conditions. This quiescent pattern serves as a reference for identifying deviations that may signal impending failures. The system may also apply machine learning algorithms to refine the detection process, improving accuracy over time. The output includes alerts or diagnostic reports that highlight potential issues, enabling predictive maintenance. The system is particularly useful in industrial settings where continuous monitoring of rotating equipment is critical for preventing downtime and reducing maintenance costs.
14. A system for sensing vibrations on a pipeline network, the system comprising: one or more vibration sensors, wherein each vibration sensor comprises: a pressure transducer that produces an analog electrical signal to represent pressure, a digitizer that converts the analog electrical signal to a sequence of numerical values, a first timekeeper, a processor that processes the sequence of numerical values, and a first wireless communication module; a controller configured to exchange data with the sensors; and an analyzer that comprises an interface to the controller, wherein the processor of a first sensor is configured to process the sequence of numerical values to identify a time-varying component of pressure in fluid in the pipeline network and a time-invariant component of pressure in fluid in the pipeline network.
15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the pressure transducer is a hydrophone incorporated in a hydrant of the pipeline network.
16. The system of claim 14 , wherein the controller is configured to send timestamp-related values to the one or more vibration sensors using the second wireless communication module and a vibration sensor of the one or more vibration sensors is configured to receive the timestamp-related values and set a value of the first timekeeper using the received timestamp-related values.
A system for synchronizing vibration sensors in a monitoring network includes a controller and multiple vibration sensors. The controller communicates with the sensors via a first wireless communication module, while the sensors communicate among themselves using a second wireless communication module. Each sensor has a timekeeper to track local time, but these timekeepers may drift over time, leading to synchronization errors. The system addresses this by allowing the controller to send timestamp-related values to the sensors. Upon receiving these values, a vibration sensor adjusts its timekeeper to correct any drift, ensuring all sensors maintain synchronized time. This synchronization is critical for accurately correlating vibration data across multiple sensors, which is essential for applications like structural health monitoring, machinery diagnostics, or seismic activity detection. The system improves reliability by reducing timing discrepancies that could distort analysis results. The second wireless communication module enables peer-to-peer synchronization between sensors, further enhancing accuracy. The controller's ability to distribute timestamp-related values ensures centralized control over time synchronization, simplifying maintenance and calibration.
17. The system of claim 16 , wherein the vibration sensor is configured to read and adjust values of the first timekeeper and to set the value of the first timekeeper using the received timestamp-related values and an adjusted value of the first timekeeper.
A system for time synchronization in distributed networks addresses the challenge of maintaining accurate timekeeping across multiple devices, particularly in environments where clock drift or network latency can introduce errors. The system includes a vibration sensor that interacts with a first timekeeper, which is a clock or timing mechanism within a device. The vibration sensor is capable of reading and adjusting the values of the first timekeeper to correct any discrepancies. It does this by using timestamp-related values received from other devices or a reference source, along with an adjusted value of the first timekeeper itself. This adjustment process ensures that the first timekeeper remains synchronized with other devices in the network, compensating for factors like clock drift or external disturbances. The system may also include additional components, such as a second timekeeper or a communication interface, to facilitate synchronization and data exchange between devices. The vibration sensor's ability to dynamically adjust the first timekeeper based on external inputs and internal adjustments enhances the overall accuracy and reliability of timekeeping in distributed systems.
18. The system of claim 14 , wherein the first wireless communication module of a sensor causes the reading of one or more values from the first timekeeper of the sensor when receiving and the second wireless communication module of the controller causes the reading of one or more values from the second timekeeper when transmitting.
19. A system for sensing vibrations on a pipeline network, the system comprising: one or more vibration sensors, wherein each vibration sensor comprises: a transducer that converts a vibration signal to an analog electrical signal, a digitizer that converts the analog electrical signal to a sequence of numerical values, a first timekeeper, a processor that processes the sequence of numerical values, and a first wireless communication module; a controller configured to exchange data with the sensors; and an analyzer that comprises an interface to the controller, wherein the sensors are located based on information about the pipeline network, and designated available sensor locations, which are used to evaluate sound paths from points in the pipeline network to sensor locations, wherein sensors are assigned to a selected subset of sensor locations, wherein the sensor locations of the selected subset are selected to maximize an expected value benefit accruing from the subsequent detection of leaks by the sensors, and wherein the expected value benefit is the expected value of water that would be recovered from the detection of leaks by the sensors that would otherwise have been lost.
20. A system for sensing vibrations on a pipeline network, the system comprising: one or more vibration sensors, wherein each vibration sensor comprises: a transducer that converts a vibration signal to an analog electrical signal, a digitizer that converts the analog electrical signal to a sequence of numerical values, a first timekeeper, a processor that processes the sequence of numerical values, and a first wireless communication module; a controller configured to exchange data with the sensors; and an analyzer that comprises an interface to the controller, wherein the sensors are located based on information about the pipeline network, and designated available sensor locations, which are used to evaluate sound paths from points in the pipeline network to sensor locations, wherein sensors are assigned to a selected subset of sensor locations, wherein the sensor locations of the selected subset are selected to maximize an expected value benefit accruing from the subsequent detection of leaks by the sensors, and wherein the designated sensor locations may be modified based on modifications in the evaluated sound paths that can result from changes in information about the pipeline network provided by actual leaks.
21. A system for sensing vibrations on a pipeline network, the system comprising: one or more vibration sensors, wherein each vibration sensor comprises: a transducer that converts a vibration signal to an analog electrical signal, a digitizer that converts the analog electrical signal to a sequence of numerical values, a first timekeeper, a processor that processes the sequence of numerical values, and a first wireless communication module; a controller configured to exchange data with the sensors; and an analyzer that comprises an interface to the controller, wherein the software of the processor of a first sensor contains one or more protocols that have been received from the controller, and wherein the one or more protocols that have been received were sent by the analyzer in response to setting a location of the first sensor.
22. A system for sensing vibrations on a pipeline network, the system comprising: one or more vibration sensors, wherein each vibration sensor comprises: a transducer that converts a vibration signal to an analog electrical signal, a digitizer that converts the analog electrical signal to a sequence of numerical values, a first timekeeper, a processor that processes the sequence of numerical values, and a first wireless communication module; a controller configured to exchange data with the sensors; and an analyzer that comprises an interface to the controller, wherein the software of the processor of a first sensor contains one or more protocols that have been received from the controller, and wherein the one or more protocols that have been received were sent by the analyzer in response to evaluated sound paths in the pipeline network.
23. A system for sensing vibrations on a pipeline network, the system comprising: one or more vibration sensors, wherein each vibration sensor comprises: a transducer that converts a vibration signal to an analog electrical signal, a digitizer that converts the analog electrical signal to a sequence of numerical values, a first timekeeper, a processor that processes the sequence of numerical values, and a first wireless communication module; a controller configured to exchange data with the sensors; and an analyzer that comprises an interface to the controller, wherein a series of vibration recordings made at one or more sensors are processed as an ensemble, wherein the processing includes the estimation of a quiescent vibration pattern, and wherein the processing includes the estimation of a measure of self-similarity to enhance the estimate of a quiescent vibration pattern.
24. A system for sensing vibrations on a pipeline network, the system comprising: one or more vibration sensors, wherein each vibration sensor comprises: a transducer that converts a vibration signal to an analog electrical signal, a digitizer that converts the analog electrical signal to a sequence of numerical values, a first timekeeper, a processor that processes the sequence of numerical values, and a first wireless communication module; a controller configured to exchange data with the sensors; and an analyzer that comprises an interface to the controller, wherein a series of vibration recordings made at one or more sensors are processed as an ensemble, wherein the processing includes the estimation of a quiescent vibration pattern, and wherein the processing includes applying an estimator having characteristics that have been obtained from the analyzer, to enhance the estimate of a quiescent vibration pattern.
The system is designed for monitoring vibrations in pipeline networks to detect anomalies such as leaks, structural failures, or external interference. Traditional vibration sensing systems often struggle with distinguishing normal operational vibrations from abnormal events, leading to false alarms or missed detections. This system addresses the problem by providing a distributed network of vibration sensors that work together to analyze and interpret vibration data in real time. Each vibration sensor includes a transducer that converts mechanical vibrations into analog electrical signals, which are then digitized into numerical values. A timekeeper ensures synchronized data collection, and a processor handles initial signal processing. The sensor also includes a wireless communication module for transmitting data to a central controller. The controller aggregates data from multiple sensors and forwards it to an analyzer. The analyzer processes the vibration recordings as an ensemble, meaning it combines data from multiple sensors to improve accuracy. It estimates a baseline or quiescent vibration pattern, which represents normal operating conditions. The analyzer then applies an estimator—an algorithm or model trained on historical or real-time data—to refine this baseline, enhancing the ability to detect deviations that may indicate issues in the pipeline. This approach improves the reliability of vibration-based monitoring by reducing noise and increasing sensitivity to abnormal events.
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March 16, 2021
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